Get Ready for An Exciting Day of Classic Cars and Heritage Aircraft

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodromeis looking forward to a fun-packed day of gleaming motors and historic aircraft at Wings and Wheels on Sunday 24 May.The popular family event is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Accredited Museum and has been a sell-out for several years in a row – so the advice is to buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

More than 200 classic cars are booked in to display, including an amazing Model T Ford that saw active service during World War One. The original Canadian Staff Car was bought by the current owner's great grandfather at an auction near Ypres at the end of WW1 for 2 bob – 10p at the time, roughly equivalent to £5 allowing for inflation today! We're also looking forward to a visit from an original Aston Martin DB5, the iconic British grand tourer renowned as James Bond's signature car.

A number of vehicle clubs will be represented, including the Corvette Car Club; Anglemog, the local section of the Morgan Sports Car Club; the area's chapter of the Blue KnightsLaw Enforcement Motorcycle Club; Essex Gas Guzzlers; and Kent Sevens who specialise in Caterham and Lotus 7 inspired sports cars. Add in a fantastic array of individual vehicles, from classic British Triumphs and Minis to American muscle cars, and there will be something for everyone to admire on the ground.

In the air, the programme cannot be confirmed until the last minute due to the fragile nature of the aircraft, the weather and the current issues with aviation fuel, but fantastic aircraft from World War One, World War Twoand the Golden Age of aviation have been invited to display. These include World War One fighters the Nieuport 17 and the rare Albatros DVa, the Stampe Team with their 1930s-style formation flying display, and The Last Dogfight Display Team – a World War Two double act of a 1944 Piper L-4H Grasshopper and a Slepcev Storch.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "Wings and Wheels is one of the highlights of our calendar – it's fantastic to see the grounds packed with classic vehicles and we're looking forward, weather permitting, to seeing historic aircraft in the air above this incredible preserved World War One aerodrome. Last year's event was a sell-out and we closed ticket sales early, so if you're planning to join us, don't delay!"

2/…Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a barbecue, a licensed bar by local brewery Datum Attitude and, of course, tasty breakfasts, lunches and snacks in The Airmen's Mess café. For a small additional charge of £7.50, morning Flightline walks will take aviation enthusiasts right up close to the classic aircraft, explaining in detail their history and engineering. Walks sell out rapidly and can only be bought on arrival – a good reason to get there early! There will also be a range of trading stalls, and the gift shop and bookshop will be open. Plus, admission to Wings and Wheels includes full access to the Accredited Museum's exhibition halls and guided tours of the aircraft hangars,

Tickets for Wings and Wheels must be booked online: Adults £25, children 6-15 £12, children 0-5 free, family 2+2 £65, plus small booking free. Please note that The Airmen's Mess café is open to ticket holders only during the event.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 4pm. Following Wings and Wheels, the events programme continues with a Family Nature Day (29 May), Summer Fly-In (June 14), Back to WW2 event on Armed Forces Day (27 June), Living History Weekend (4-5 July) and The Stow Maries Air Show (16 August).

For more information, to book tickets for any event or to sign up to the monthly newsletter, visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.